Let’s be real—having short curly hair is like owning a sports car. It’s stylish, it turns heads, and yeah, it requires a bit of maintenance. But when you find the right hairstyle that works with your curls instead of against them? Chef’s kiss. Pure magic.
I’ve been rocking short curly hair for years now, and trust me, I’ve had my fair share of good hair days and “what on earth is happening on my head” days.
The secret isn’t taming your curls (spoiler alert: they don’t want to be tamed). It’s about finding styles that celebrate those gorgeous spirals and coils you’ve got going on.
So grab your favorite curl cream, and let’s talk about ten hairstyles that’ll make you fall in love with your short curly hair all over again.
Curly Bob with Side Part
The curly bob with a side part is basically the little black dress of hairstyles—timeless, flattering, and works for pretty much everyone. I’m talking about a chin-length or slightly shorter bob that sits perfectly at your jawline, with curls that have just enough bounce to frame your face beautifully.
Here’s why this style rocks: that side part creates instant asymmetry and adds dimension to your look. Instead of your curls sitting flat and even (which, let’s face it, never happens naturally anyway), you’re working with the natural volume and creating a purposeful shape.
The best part? This style is incredibly versatile. Heading to a business meeting? It looks polished and professional. Going out for drinks with friends? Add some curl-defining cream and you’re good to go. The maintenance is pretty straightforward too—just refresh your curls in the morning, maybe re-part if they shifted overnight, and you’re done.
Pro tip from experience: Don’t try to force that side part to stay in one exact spot every single day. Your curls have opinions, and sometimes they’ll part slightly differently. Roll with it. That’s part of the charm, and honestly, it keeps the style from looking too rigid or “done.”
One thing I love about the curly bob is how it works across different curl patterns. Whether you’ve got loose waves or tight coils, this cut adapts beautifully. Just make sure your stylist understands curly hair (and I mean really understands it—not just claims to). A good curly cut makes all the difference.
Twisted Short Curls
Ever wondered why twist styles have been popular for literally centuries? Because they’re genius, that’s why.
Twisted short curls are perfect when you want a defined, polished look without spending three hours on your hair. The concept is simple: you take small sections of your damp hair, apply your styling product, and twist each section. Once they dry (either air dry or under a diffuser), you’ve got these beautiful, uniform spirals that look intentional and put-together.
I stumbled onto this technique during a particularly frustrating week where my curls just would. not. cooperate. Every morning was a battle, and I was about ready to shave it all off. Then a friend showed me the twist method, and honestly? Game-changer.
The beauty of this style is in its versatility:
- Two-strand twists create chunkier, more defined sections
- Flat twists against the scalp add texture and can create cool patterns
- Simple finger twists give you more natural-looking spirals
What I really appreciate is how this style protects your hair while looking fabulous. You’re not manipulating your curls with heat or harsh brushing—just encouraging them to do what they naturally want to do, but in a more organized fashion.
Fair warning though: the first few times you try this, you might feel like you’re all thumbs. It takes practice to get the twisting motion down and to figure out the right section size for your hair. Too big and they won’t dry properly; too small and you’ll be there until next Tuesday. But once you nail it? You’ll never look back.
Layered Curly Pixie
Okay, this one requires a bit of courage (and a really good stylist), but the layered curly pixie is absolutely worth it if you’re ready to commit.
I’m talking short—like really short on the sides and back, with more length and volume on top. The layers are crucial here because they prevent that unfortunate triangle shape that can happen with curly pixies gone wrong. Instead, you get this gorgeous, textured crown of curls that has movement and personality.
This style is for you if:
- You’re tired of spending forever on your hair
- You want something edgy but still feminine
- You’re confident enough to rock a bold cut
- You don’t mind regular trims (every 4-6 weeks, FYI)
Here’s my honest take: this isn’t a low-maintenance style despite what some people claim. Yes, the actual styling time is minimal—you can literally wash, scrunch in some product, and go. But the cut itself requires upkeep. Those layers need to be maintained, and curly pixies can look a bit wonky if you let them grow out too much.
That said, if you’re ready for the commitment, the payoff is incredible. There’s something about a well-executed curly pixie that just screams confidence. Plus, you’ll save a fortune on hair products because you’re working with so much less hair 🙂
The styling routine is ridiculously simple: apply a curl cream to wet hair, maybe use a bit of gel for hold, scrunch, and let it air dry or diffuse for a few minutes. Done. No complicated techniques, no spending an hour trying to get every curl perfect.
Voluminous Afro Curls
Let’s talk about the power of a glorious, voluminous afro. This isn’t just a hairstyle—it’s a statement, a celebration, a whole mood.
The voluminous afro for short hair is all about maximizing your hair’s natural texture and creating that iconic round, cloud-like silhouette. It works beautifully with tighter curl patterns (think 4A to 4C), and when done right, it’s absolutely stunning.
Getting volume in short curly hair requires a bit of strategy. You can’t just wash and hope for the best (well, you can, but results may vary wildly). Here’s what actually works:
- Pick out your curls while they’re still damp with a wide-tooth comb or afro pick, lifting from the roots
- Use lightweight products that won’t weigh your curls down—heavy creams are not your friend here
- Apply products in sections to ensure every part of your hair gets love
- Let it dry completely before adding more volume (fluffing damp hair = frizz city)
IMO, the afro is one of those styles that looks effortlessly cool but actually requires understanding your hair’s needs. Moisture is key—dry curls won’t give you that soft, touchable volume you’re after. They’ll give you stiff, brittle texture that breaks when you try to pick it out.
I learned this the hard way after spending weeks wondering why my afro looked more “crispy” than “voluminous.” Turns out, I wasn’t moisturizing properly and was using way too much gel. Once I switched to a leave-in conditioner and a lighter hold product, everything changed.
The maintenance routine involves regular deep conditioning (weekly is ideal), protecting your hair at night with a satin bonnet or pillowcase, and refreshing your style every few days by spritzing with water and re-picking for volume.
Curly Shag Hairstyle
The shag is back, baby, and it’s better than ever on curly hair. The curly shag combines choppy layers with deliberate messiness, creating this cool, rock-and-roll vibe that somehow manages to be both edgy and laid-back at the same time.
What makes the curly shag work so well is how it embraces texture and movement. Unlike more structured cuts that fight against your hair’s natural tendencies, the shag says, “Yeah, you want to be wild and unpredictable? Let’s do this.”
The key elements of a great curly shag include:
- Lots of layers at different lengths throughout
- Wispy, textured ends rather than blunt cuts
- Face-framing pieces that add softness
- Intentional unevenness that creates visual interest
I was skeptical about this cut at first. Wouldn’t all those choppy layers just create frizz and chaos? But here’s the thing—when you cut curly hair in short, varied layers, each curl group gets to do its own thing. You end up with this dimensional, lived-in look that’s actually really forgiving.
Bad hair day? With a shag, it just looks like you’re working a cool, tousled vibe. Slept weird and woke up with flat spots? The uneven layers hide it. The curly shag is basically your get-out-of-jail-free card for imperfect hair days.
Styling is refreshingly low-key: scrunch in your favorite curl product, maybe add a bit of texturizing spray or sea salt spray for extra definition, and let it do its thing. You can air dry or diffuse—both work. The goal is to look like you didn’t try too hard, even if you actually put in some effort.
Finger Coil Short Hair
Want defined, springy curls that look like they came straight out of a hair product commercial? Finger coiling might be your new best friend.
This technique involves wrapping small sections of hair around your finger to create uniform, bouncy coils. It’s particularly popular with tighter curl patterns (3C to 4C), but honestly, anyone with textured hair can make it work.
Here’s the process in a nutshell:
- Start with freshly washed, soaking wet hair
- Apply your curl cream or custard section by section
- Take a small piece of hair and wrap it tightly around your finger
- Slide your finger out, leaving a perfect coil
- Repeat until your entire head is done (yes, all of it)
- Let it dry completely—and I mean completely
The result? Those crispy, defined coils that you can then separate or fluff slightly for a fuller look. The definition you get from finger coiling is unmatched. Each curl is intentional, uniform, and has that perfect spiral shape.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it—this technique is time-consuming. Depending on your hair density and section size, you could be looking at 1-3 hours of work. The first time I tried it, I made the mistake of starting at 9 PM, thinking “how long could it possibly take?” I finished at midnight with aching arms and a new appreciation for professional hairstylists.
But the longevity makes it worth it. A good finger coil style can last 5-7 days with proper maintenance. Just protect it at night with a satin bonnet, refresh any flattened sections with a bit of water and product, and you’re golden.
Pro tip: Don’t make your coils too small unless you want to be there forever. Medium-sized sections (about the width of a pencil) give great definition without requiring an entire day of your life.
Tapered Curly Cut
The tapered curly cut is basically the sophisticated older sibling of the curly pixie. You’ve got short, close-cropped sides and back that gradually blend into longer curls on top. It’s clean, it’s modern, and it works beautifully across all curl types.
What I love about this style is the contrast it creates. Those short sides provide structure and shape, while the curly top adds softness and femininity (or masculinity, or androgyny—this cut is genuinely for everyone). The taper gives your face definition and draws attention to your features in a really flattering way.
This cut requires a skilled barber or stylist who understands both curly hair and precision cutting. The taper needs to be clean and gradual—not choppy or uneven. And the curls on top need to be cut properly so they have the right amount of volume and shape without looking top-heavy.
Maintenance considerations:
- The taper will need touching up every 2-3 weeks to stay sharp
- The curls on top can go longer between cuts (6-8 weeks)
- Daily styling is minimal—just moisturize and define your top curls
- You might need clippers or regular barber visits to maintain that crisp taper
I’ve seen people absolutely transform with this cut. There’s something about that clean, tapered silhouette that just elevates the whole look. It’s polished without being stuffy, edgy without being too wild.
The styling process is probably the easiest on this entire list. The tapered sides don’t need any products or styling—they’re too short to really do anything with. You just focus on the curls on top: apply product, scrunch or finger-coil if you want extra definition, and go. Five minutes, tops.
Curly Bangs Bob
Adding curly bangs to a bob is like adding hot sauce to your favorite dish—it just makes everything better. The combination of a classic bob shape with those playful, face-framing curly bangs creates a look that’s both timeless and fresh.
Curly bangs get a bad rap sometimes because people remember the unfortunate triangle-bang disasters of decades past. But modern curly bangs? They’re a whole different game. We’re talking soft, wispy, textured fringe that complements your face rather than overwhelming it.
The key to great curly bangs is the cut. They need to be:
- Long enough to curl properly (usually at least 3-4 inches when stretched)
- Layered and textured to avoid that heavy, blunt look
- Cut dry so your stylist can see how they’ll actually sit
- Customized to your face shape for the most flattering result
I was terrified to get curly bangs at first. What if they looked ridiculous? What if they shrunk up too much? What if I couldn’t figure out how to style them? But honestly, once I got over the initial “what have I done?” panic (which lasted about 24 hours), I was obsessed.
The reality check: Curly bangs require some dedication. They need refreshing daily because they’re right there on your face, getting touched, getting oily, and generally being subjected to more wear and tear than the rest of your hair. You’ll want to keep a spray bottle handy for quick morning refreshes.
Styling them is pretty straightforward though:
- Dampen the bangs with water or leave-in conditioner
- Apply a small amount of curl cream
- Scrunch or finger-coil the curls
- Let them air dry or give them a quick blast with the diffuser
The bob part of this style follows the same principles we talked about earlier—chin-length or slightly shorter, with layers for movement and shape. The bangs just add that extra element of style and personality.
Wash-and-Go Short Curls
Can we just appreciate the beauty of a good wash-and-go for a second? This is the holy grail for anyone who wants gorgeous curls without spending their entire morning on hair.
The concept is simple: you wash your hair, apply product, and let your curls do their thing. No elaborate techniques, no special tools, no hour-long styling sessions. Just clean hair, good products, and the confidence to let your natural texture shine.
But here’s the catch (there’s always a catch, right?)—a truly great wash-and-go requires three things:
- A good haircut that allows your curls to fall nicely
- The right products for your specific curl type and hair needs
- A solid technique for applying those products
That third point is where a lot of people struggle. You can’t just slap some gel on and call it a day. Well, you can, but don’t come crying to me when it dries crunchy and frizzy :/
The proper wash-and-go technique involves applying product to soaking wet hair in sections, using either the rake-and-shake method, praying hands, or scrunching—whatever works for your curls. The goal is to clump your curls together and seal in moisture while encouraging definition.
For short hair, the wash-and-go is particularly practical because the drying time is so much faster than with long hair. You can air dry in an hour or two, or diffuse in 15-20 minutes. No sitting around all day with wet hair, hoping it dries before you have to leave the house.
I do a wash-and-go at least 3-4 times a week, and I’ve gotten it down to a science. My routine takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, and I get consistent results every time. The key was experimenting with different products and application methods until I found what worked for my particular hair.
Curly Mohawk Pixie
Alright, this one’s for the bold, the brave, and the “I don’t care what people think” crowd. The curly mohawk pixie is not for the faint of heart, but damn, does it make a statement.
Picture this: shaved or very short sides (we’re talking clipper-short), with a strip of glorious curls running down the center of your head from front to back. It’s punk rock meets natural beauty, and when it’s done right, it’s absolutely striking.
This style requires commitment in multiple ways:
- You need to maintain those shaved sides (every week or two if you want them sharp)
- The curly strip needs regular trims to maintain the right length and shape
- Daily styling is necessary to keep those center curls looking intentional
- You’ll get attention—both positive and negative—because it’s a bold look
I’ve seen friends rock this style and the confidence boost it gave them was incredible. There’s something about choosing such a distinctive cut that makes you walk a little taller. It’s a constant reminder that you’re not afraid to stand out.
Styling the curly mohawk pixie is actually pretty straightforward. The sides don’t need anything—they’re too short to style. The curly section gets your standard curl routine: product, definition, and maybe some extra volume at the roots if you want height. Some people like to style their center curls to stand up dramatically; others prefer a more laid-back approach where the curls just do their natural thing in a concentrated strip.
The versatility might surprise you. Want to look edgy? Style those center curls to stand tall. Going for something softer? Let them relax and curl naturally. You can even do fun things like add temporary color to the curly section since it’s so distinctly separated from the rest of your hair.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—ten hairstyles that prove short curly hair is anything but limiting. Whether you’re into classic bobs, bold pixies, or statement-making mohawks, there’s a style here that’ll work with your curls and your lifestyle.
The real secret to rocking short curly hair? Stop fighting your natural texture and start working with it. Find a stylist who actually knows how to cut curly hair (not just claims to), invest in products that work for your specific curl pattern, and be patient with yourself while you figure out what works.
Every head of curls is different. What works for your friend or that influencer on Instagram might not work for you, and that’s totally okay. Experiment, try new things, and don’t be afraid to switch it up when something isn’t working.
Your curls are unique, beautiful, and full of personality. Why not show them off with a style that makes you feel amazing? Trust me, once you find that perfect short curly hairstyle, you’ll wonder why you didn’t chop it all off sooner.
Now go forth and rock those gorgeous curls. You’ve got this 🙂
